One of my favourite things from our trip to New York was taking a walk along the High Line.
If you’re not familiar with one of New York’s best free attractions, the High Line is an aerial park built on a disused section of elevated railroad. Originally a part of New York Connecting Railroad’s West Side Line, it was part of the freight transport network for the Lower West Side.
After the line fell into disuse, it became over grown with vegetation and in the 1990s was slated for demolition. It was eventually saved by a non-profit group who campaigned for the site’s regeneration as a public green space. Built in several stages, with work still ongoing, the High Line first opened as a park in the summer of 2009.
It has since inspired regeneration in some of the surrounding neighbourhoods.
The High Line runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues. You can find a map here.
One of the best things about the High Line is how it weaves its way through industrial and residential areas of New York, allowing visitors a glimpse of something unique.
We visited in December, so didn’t get the full benefit of the park’s plant life and green spaces, but in summer I imagine it would be a beautiful place to enjoy the sun and people watch. Even on a cold December morning there were plenty of people walking the 1.45 mile route – but never so many that it felt crowded. There were still moments of privacy and peace amid the apartment blocks and offices that line the walkway.
There are surprises around every corner too, with viewing galleries and cut outs that offer views across both the Hudson River and the city streets, including glimpses of the Empire State Building. The walkway also features some striking sculptures and street art.
We joined the route at 30th Street, before heading downtown through Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, spending the rest of the afternoon wandering through the West Village.
If you’re in New York, I recommend taking some time to walk the High Line and enjoy a different view of the city. It’s an innovative way of transforming a piece of NYC’s industrial heritage into something fresh and beautiful.
I’d love to see something similar where I live.
Sophie says
My favourite thing about walking the High Line was enjoying how it caught the light at different angles and gave a different perspective of the city. Your photos capture this perfectly – you’ve got me yearning to book another trip!
sophiecliff.wordpress.com
Amy Lord says
I just loved how quirky and unique it was, and how many amazing details there were in and around it. I’d definitely love to go back in summer and see how different it looks!
Sara Strauss says
I love the High Line! It’s one of my favorite spots in the city! I’m so glad you got to walk along it and experience it! In the summer, there’s a small part along the benches (in the 4th pic) that has water and people take off their shoes and walk in it to cool off! 🙂
~Sara
Amy Lord says
Thanks Sara, it was one of my favourite places in New York – I’d love to go back in summer!
Jade @ Bits & Bobs says
All of these pictures are beautiful, and thank you for sharing a little background too. The High Line is one of the places on my New York bucket list – I will get there one day!!
🙂
Amy Lord says
Thanks Jade! Hope you make it there soon 🙂
Joséphine Simone says
I love all your photos of the High Line! They look stunning. I’ve never been there but your photos sucked me right in 🙂 Also, I enjoy watching your photography develop and I can’t wait for more 😉
Amy Lord says
It’s a beautiful place, Josephine! Thanks for the kind words about my photography – I had a look at the photography thread on your blog the other day and your book pictures are amazing!